IN their last two Printwize Premier A outings Ipswich East Suffolk had gained exactly what they deserved – nothing! As they trudged off the pitch at the University's plush Wilberforce Road ground they had again finished empty handed, but this time they definitely deserved better.

By Martin White

IN their last two Printwize Premier A outings Ipswich East Suffolk had gained exactly what they deserved – nothing!

As they trudged off the pitch at the University's plush Wilberforce Road ground they had again finished empty handed, but this time they definitely deserved better.

Having been a goal up for much of the game, IES lost it in the last eight minutes with the University winner coming just 30 seconds from time.

Captain Charlie Farrow must have been pleased with the response to his passionate pre-match team talk urging his players to find the form that they had showed earlier in the season as this was without doubt the grittiest performance this season.

A league debut was given to young Ian Swallow at right back and he got the nerves out of his system quickly to put in an excellent display. The game started evenly with IES using the ball intelligently and putting the home side under considerable pressure when they didn't have possession.

The university side took time to settle as IES enjoyed the best of the possession, although they lacked penetration up front. However, after 15 minutes they deservedly took the lead.

Will Fulker collected the pass out of defence on the halfway line and skilfully held up play to bring Matt Walker into the game. He in turn fed Danny Mayhew who found Gavin Cole down the right in a flowing move. Cole's early cross seemed to have been cut out, but the determined Fulker somehow managed to turn brilliantly and slot the ball past the keeper.

The home team relied heavily on ex-Harleston player Robert Fulford for much of their invention, but the visiting defence was not in the generous mood of previous games.

Fulford gave notice of his potential from a short corner, but his drag-flick went wide of Farrow's right post. IES continued to play some great flowing hockey to keep the home side on the back foot. Kevyn Brown and James Boutell combined well down the left as did Swallow and Peter Elsom down the right but their finishing touch eluded them and they led by the single goal at half time.

Cambridge probably had quite a roasting at half-time from their manager as they started with much more purpose in the second half putting the visitors under more concerted pressure. Fulford was again the focal point of many attacks but Matt Gardner was his nemesis on most occasions with an outstanding display at centre back, while Brown and Swallow put in tremendous displays either side. The midfield worked equally as hard in helping their defence but slowly IES disappeared as an attacking force.

With eight minutes remaining the inevitable equaliser came. Not surprisingly it was Fulford who got it from a short corner, the hosts' fourth and last of the game.

As the shot left his stick there was never a hope that anyone would stop it. The effort was deserving of a point which was the result that both sides deserved.

IES had three good counter attacks as Elsom ran at the home defence but they couldn't get the right possession inside the circle. With 30 seconds left, the students had their last attack which culminated in a weak shot straight at Farrow.

Unfortunately for IES the right winger sneaked round the back and was on hand to deflect the ball through the surprised keeper's legs.

IES can take great heart from their approach to, and application in, this match and the type of defensive performance must become the norm, while they must find ways to put their opponents under pressure and turn that pressure into goals.